House Bill 932 amends Tennessee Code Annotated to establish regulations regarding the use of wireless communication devices in schools. The bill defines "wireless communication device" to include cellular phones, tablets, laptops, and gaming devices. It mandates that each local board of education and public charter school governing body adopt a policy that generally prohibits students from using these devices during instructional time, with specific exceptions. These exceptions allow for device use for educational purposes as authorized by a teacher, in emergencies, or if the device use is part of a student's individualized education program or active 504 plan. Additionally, the policy must include a process for notifying parents or guardians in case of emergencies.

The bill also modifies existing law by allowing teachers to confiscate a student's wireless communication device if the student does not comply with the established policy. The definition of "wireless communication device" is reiterated in this context. The new regulations will take effect on July 1, 2025, and will apply to the 2025-2026 school year and subsequent years.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 49-6-4002